If your cat gets into a fight with another feline, its pride may not be the only thing that gets wounded. Felines—especially males—are territorial creatures by nature. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that neutering can help curb some of this tendency, however, even if your pet has been neutered, this territorial aggression may still be present.

Any physical damage that a cat incurs from a fight, whether from another cat, a dog or another animal, can become infected if not properly treated. According to VCA, 90 percent of infected wounds are the result of tussles with other cats.

Often, bite marks are near-impossible to spot since puncture wounds are very small and tend to close over quickly. Bacteria can get trapped inside the wound, which commonly results in infection or even an abscess. Some clinical signs that may point to a wound include excessive grooming of the injured area, fever and lethargy. The most common sites of fight-inflicted wounds tend to be around the head, tail and limbs.

If you suspect that your cat has been in a fight, you should get it to a vet as soon as possible to prevent cat illness. Keep your pet up-to-date on their cat vaccinations in order to minimize their chance of getting an illness from another cat if they do get into a fight.

HOW TO REACH US

VCA Charles Towne Animal Hospital

Phone: 843-571-4291

Fax: 843-763-7350

850 Savannah Highway

Charleston,
SC29407

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sun Closed

We now offer CARE CLUB! Nose-to-tail care with easy monthly payments. Ask us how to join today!

Emergency

In case of emergency after 6:00 pm please call one of the following emergency clinics:

West Ashley: 614-8387

North Charleston: 744-3372

Mt. Pleasant: 216-7554

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.